Philosophy

The goal of St. John's admissions process is to create a school community of children and families who will work together harmoniously and who reflect the diversity of our larger metropolitan community. Our priorities are to include children of parish members, siblings of both current and past students, children of faculty and board members, and children from families new to the St. John's community. We also work to balance class composition in terms of gender and temperament of children.

Policy

Children must be 2 1/2 ¸ years old by October 1 of the year they will enter St. John's Preschool. Parents of children who do not meet the age requirement are welcome to visit, but the regulation, according to the District of Columbia, must be strictly enforced.
Special consideration for admission is given to children of families who are members of St. John's church, children of faculty and children whose siblings attend the Preschool.
Due to the small size of the Preschool, we cannot guarantee admission to any chil

Process

Exploration of materials

In early fall, parents call the Preschool to register to attend a Parent Information Session and to request an Information Packet.
In the fall, parents attend a Parent Information Session and Tour at the Preschool. These sessions for 25 adults include a tour of the school, given by parent guides, and a roundtable presentation with the Head, current parents and faculty.
At the Parent Information Session, parents receive an application packet.
By January 31, parents submit applications to the Preschool.
By January 31, interested parents submit applications to School and Student Service for Financial Aid. These forms are available in the Preschool office.
After the winter holidays, children attend scheduled play dates with parents. Small groups meet for 20-30 minutes on one afternoon. The purpose of the play date is to provide a setting in which children and parents play while teachers observe the children's interaction and development in order to make appropriate class placements. It also gives us the opportunity to meet parents again.
At the end of March, families receive notification of admissions decisions. Early notification is given for members of the parish and siblings.

Tuition Assistance

Children on the Playground

Dramatic play in the outdoor classroom

The Schedule of tuition and fees (PDF) is available in March for the coming school year. Upon acceptance in the spring, a nonrefundable enrollment deposit is required to secure a place in the school. Enrollment contracts require a commitment for the entire school year, and tuition is billed in two installments, September and January.

Need-based Tuition Assistance Grants are available for families to defray a portion of tuition costs. St. John's uses School and Student Service for Financial Aid, based in Princeton, New Jersey, to process applications for financial aid. Forms are available from the Preschool Office beginning in the Fall. Grants are awarded in April for the following school year. Please contact the Preschool Office for more information.

St. John's Preschool accepts qualified families regardless of racial, religious, national, socioeconomic, sexual orientation or cultural background.